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The Spruce / Brian Kopinski
A small dresser can be a great addition to any space, especially smaller bedrooms and apartments. “Small dressers are typically designed to fit into tight spaces, provide ample storage without taking up too much room, and offer great style and charm,” says Chris Alexakis, an interior designer and the founder of CabinetSelect. They can also be used as nightstands in a bedroom or as accent pieces in a living room.
To help you find the right small dresser for your own space, we scoured dozens of retailers, evaluating hundreds of top-selling dressers on the basis of construction, capacity, style, and overall value.
Best Overall
Pottery Barn Sussex 3-Drawer Dresser
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Pottery Barn
Stylish
Deep drawers
Solid wood
Only three drawers
If you’re looking for a substantial, well-made dresser, it’s no surprise to find an option from Pottery Barn at the top of the list. The retailer is known for manufacturing quality pieces with a classic style that transcends trends and fits into a wide range of rooms. The Sussex 3-Drawer Dresser is no exception, which is why it’s our top overall pick. The piece is beautiful and durable, yet small enough to fit into a small space. And still, it’s ultra-functional, thanks to deep drawers.
This piece is made of kiln-dried wood to help prevent warping, splitting, cracking, and even mildew growth. It’s also finished by hand to ensure quality. There’s no denying the style of the piece, either: It’s finished in a smooth, bright white and complemented by beautiful bronze hardware. And if your floors aren’t level? Don’t worry—the legs have adjustable levelers for stability. Your purchase also includes an anti-tipping kit.
If there’s any downside, it’s that the dresser only has three drawers. Thankfully, they’re nice and deep, so you can still stash plenty inside.
Price at time of publish: $799
Dimensions: 34 x 18 x 32 inches | Weight: 73.5 pounds | Drawers: 3
Best Budget
IKEA RAST 3-drawer chest
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IKEA
Deep drawers
Easy to move
Prone to tipping if not anchored
Requires assembly
IKEA is the go-to source for budget-friendly furniture. The Swedish retailer is also an expert on small-space living. The warehouse-like stores are stocked with tons of inexpensive options that are ideal for transitional homes like small apartments, and the RAST 3-Drawer Chest is a great example.
Though the dresser only has three drawers, each one is nice and deep. You can easily store even bulky items like sweaters or jeans. And while the unfinished look isn’t as sophisticated as others, it easily blends with a wide range of decor—plus, you can always give it an affordable glow-up with a fresh coat of paint in whatever hue you choose.
Just note: Because it’s so lightweight, you should definitely anchor this piece to the wall. And, as with most IKEA purchases, you’ll have to assemble it yourself, though the retailer does offer Taskrabbit assembly for an additional fee.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 26 ¾ x 24 ⅜ x 11 ¾ inches | Weight: 28 pounds 5 ounces | Drawers: 3
Best Splurge
West Elm Veda 5-Drawer Dresser
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West Elm
Sleek style
Varying drawer sizes
Expensive
Iron legs hurt if you bump into them
If you’re looking to invest in a dresser you can really love for a very long time, check out the options at West Elm. Like other furniture on offer at the retailer, the Veda 5-Drawer Dresser has a super sleek style that skews mid-century modern but looks great in any space. (Just note: While gorgeous, those iron legs can really hurt if you stub your toe!)
Helping to justify its cost, the piece is also exceptionally easy to organize since it’s tall enough to accommodate five drawers in a small space. The drawers are also varying sizes, so you have more options for the different items that make up your wardrobe.
At 154 pounds, this piece is meant to last. And thanks to its kiln-dried wood construction, it should do just that for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $1,649
Dimensions: 41.5 x 20.5 x 46.5 inches | Weight: 154 pounds | Drawers: 5
Best 3-Drawered
Room Essentials Modern 3 Drawer Dresser
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Target
Comes in two colors
Deep drawers
No hardware
The Room Essentials Modern 3-Drawer Dresser is a solid choice for just about any room, thanks to its sleek, contemporary look. While some may miss the hardware, it helps ensure the piece easily blends into any decor scheme—and if white isn’t the right choice for you, the dresser also comes in a versatile black.
Like other great dressers, the drawers are nice and deep. So even though there are only three of them, you shouldn’t want much else—especially if you also have a closet alternative at your disposal. If you have the room, you could even place one on either side of your bed since the piece can easily double as a nightstand.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 29.57 x 32.2 x 19.45 inches | Weight: 88 pounds | Drawers: 3
Best Mid Century
Article Envelo White Walnut 5-Drawer Dresser
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Article
Very substantial
Stylish
Functional drawers
Must be anchored to the wall
At 186 pounds, this vertical-style dresser is incredibly substantial but still suitable for a small space. It has an eye-catching mid-century modern design, complete with a white construction, walnut drawer fronts, and bronze-colored steel pin legs. The finishing touch: stylish leather pulls on each drawer.
The five drawers in the unit are highly functional, too—four are nice and deep, while the fifth is a bit smaller to accommodate delicates like underwear and socks. Just note: Because the unit is so heavy and tall, it must be anchored to the wall to ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
Price at time of publish: $999
Dimensions: 51 x 34 x 18 inches | Weight: 186 pounds | Drawers: 5
Best Vertical
Lark Manor Elborough Manufactured Wood Armoire
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Wayfair
Holds a lot
Classic style
Can be hard to keep organized
Should be anchored to the wall
The Lark Manor Elborough Manufactured Wood Armoire isn’t technically a dresser, but it earns a spot on our list because it functions just as well. With a slim design, it’s compact enough to fit into small spaces while still maximizing what you can store.
Available in four colors—white, oak, cinnamon cherry, and silver sycamore—this piece has a classic shaker style that suits just about any decor scheme. The shelves are adjustable, too, though it might be hard to keep stacks of clothes from tipping. Because of this, we’d recommend using shelf dividers for better organization. If you have room, this is also an especially good option for storing off-season clothes you don’t need to access every day.
Like some of the more lightweight options on this list, you’ll want to make sure to anchor this dresser to the wall to prevent any accidents.
Price at time of publish: $187
Dimensions: 71.13 x 29.625 x 16.13 inches | Weight: 73.61 pounds | Shelves: 4
Best for Closets
mDesign Vertical Dresser Storage Tower With 8 Drawers
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Target
Comes in 12 colors
Deep drawers
Budget-friendly
Assembly required
Because this dresser is tall and slim, it’s easy to squeeze into a small space like a closet. The frame is metal, so despite its compact size, it’s nice and sturdy. Inside, you’ll find eight pull-out fabric drawers—plenty of room for wardrobe essentials, accessories, linens, and more. It’s also a great option for out-of-season items that you don’t need within direct reach every day.
If you have a free wall in your closet—one without a hanging rod or shelving—you’ll love having the extra flat surface that a dresser provides. The top of this unit is ideal for styling and storing toiletries like perfume or even a jewelry box.
Of course, you can also use this budget-friendly dresser outside of a walk-in closet. It’s perfect for college dorm rooms or small apartments. And it comes in 12 different colors, from white to a muted pink. Just be prepared to set this piece up yourself.
Price at time of publish: $78
Dimensions: 38.31 x 33.77) x 11.81 inches | Weight: 25.78 pounds | Drawers: 8
Best for Kids
Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Dresser
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Pottery Barn Kids
Deep drawers
Classic style
Important safety features
Finish may get scratched
For a nursery or a kids’ room, you can’t go wrong with this classic style from Pottery Barn Kids. The bright white goes with anything, but if you want something else, the unit also comes in charcoal, navy, and brushed fog.
This dresser comes with four well-sized drawers (two larger and two smaller), all of which feature English dovetail joinery and waxed wooden glides for smooth pulling. For added safety, each drawer also has sturdy half-moon safety stops to keep the drawers securely in place—an important addition to a child’s room.
Like other Pottery Barn furniture, this solid wood dresser is very substantial and is built to last. It’s made of solid wood with mortise-and-tenon construction, complete with tongue and groove joinery to tie everything together. And if the piece does happen to scratch, the retailer sells touch-up pens to match.
Price at time of publish: $899-$999
Dimensions: 37.5 x 18 x 30.5 inches | Weight: 82.5 pounds | Drawers: 4
Best Dual-Purpose
Urban Outfitters Stanley Dresser Desk
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Urban Outfitters
Functions as a desk
Stylish
Only two drawers
Requires assembly
When space is at a premium, multifunctional furniture is a great way to maximize the small square footage. This Stanley Dresser Desk from Urban Outfitters is a vertical option that serves multiple purposes. It has two very large drawers, plus a top panel that folds out and into a desk. It’s perfect for kids who need some homework space in their room or for adults who want a small work-from-home area in their apartment.
The piece has excellent an transitional style, too. It has dark engineered wood that looks right at home in just about any space. Just note: You’ll have to assemble this piece by yourself.
Price at time of publish: $549
Dimensions: 29.92 x 18.5 x 43.23 inches | Weight: 88.88 pounds | Drawers: 2
Best for Sweaters
Lark Manor Off White Amiir 5-Drawer Dresser
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Wayfair
Comes in four finishes
Deep drawers
Comes with an anti-tipping device
Not solid wood
Small dressers are great for conserving square footage when you’re working with limited space, but because of their size, it can be hard to store bulkier items like sweaters. If you have a lot of these types of items in your wardrobe, you’ll love the Lark Manor Off White Amiir 5-Drawer Dresser, which has plenty of space and an especially deep bottom drawer. This way, you can stash items like sweaters or jeans without having to jam the drawer shut.
While the budget-friendly dresser may not be made of solid wood (it’s manufactured wood), it comes with an anti-tipping device, so you can use the top for heavier items like televisions or books. It’s also smartly designed to mimic the look of real wood and comes in four versatile finishes (off-white, brown, black, and gray).
Price at time of publish: $200
Dimensions: 39.5 x 29.9 x15.6 inches | Weight: 72 pounds | Drawers: 5
Best on Wheels
DEVAISE 5-Drawer Chest
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Amazon
Easy to move
Drawers slide in and out smoothly
Slim drawers
Not as sophisticated
When you live in a small space, flexibility can be key. This way, you can move things around as needed without much effort. That’s exactly what the DEVAISE 5-Drawer Chest offers since it comes on four castor wheels.
This five-drawer dresser may not be the most sophisticated, but it definitely does offer options. It’s great for a dorm or apartment, and it’s still largely just as functional as you might hope. It doesn’t have hardware, but it does have notched drawers that are easy to slide in and out. And although the drawers aren’t as deep as some others, you’ll have no trouble fitting a small wardrobe inside—particularly for children.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 18.74 x 15.75 x 25.47 inches | Weight: 44.32 pounds | Drawers: 5
Best Contemporary
CB2 Ivory Shagreen Embossed Tall Chest
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CB2
Stylish
Deep drawers
Hardware is a bit sharp
Engineered wood
Prefer a more modern style when it comes to your bedroom furniture? Or maybe you live in a studio and want all of your decor to blend together, whether it’s a couch or a dresser. CB2 is a fantastic place to find just that kind of piece—and the Ivory Shagreen Embossed Tall Chest is no exception.
Because it’s vertical and slim, this dresser will fit into small areas, but it doesn’t lack function, thanks to four very deep drawers. The whole piece is handcrafted out of engineered wood and complete with a brass metal frame and brass hardware. And while it’s exceptionally easy on the eyes, take note that the square brass pulls can be a bit sharp, so this might not be the best piece to keep around little kids.
Price at time of publish: $999
Dimensions: 30 x 19.75 x 444.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Drawers: 4
Our top pick is the Pottery Barn Sussex 3-Drawer Dresser. Since it’s made of solid wood, it’s exceptionally durable. Plus, it’s ultra-stylish and transcends decor styles. But if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, IKEA’s RAST 3-Drawer Chest is a good option. It’s the perfect blank canvas, plus features three very deep drawers suitable for even bulky clothing items like sweaters and jeans.
What to Look for in a Dresser
Size
A standard dresser is typically about 24 to 44 inches tall—about waist height—and between 36 to 60 inches wide and 16 to 20 inches deep. This generally affords space for anywhere between six to nine drawers. Before settling on a dresser, first, decide where you want the piece to sit and then measure. And don’t forget to leave room for drawers to pull out—you don’t want pinch points, and you don’t want any doors to hit the dresser when they swing open.
Number of Drawers
Dressers usually have at least six drawers—sometimes more. Sometimes they are all the same size; other times, there are smaller drawers at the top for items like underwear and socks. To figure out what’s right for you, weigh your storage needs against the amount of room you have. And if you opt for a tall, narrow dresser, make sure the drawers are deep enough to stash bulkier items you may need to store, like jeans and sweaters.
Material and Style
Style is mostly a matter of personal preference. There are plenty of classic solid wood dressers complete with attached mirrors, but there are also a ton of more modern acrylic styles with gold hardware. Of course, you can find everything in between, too. Think about what suits your personal preferences and the style of the room to hone in on a style—and then consider the construction of any models you’re considering. Ideally, you want a dresser made of solid wood for durability.
Weight
A well-built dresser typically weighs somewhere in the range of 100 to 150 pounds. If you—or a hired professional—need to carry the assembled piece up numerous flights of stairs, you may want to consider a lighter dresser. But if you’re looking for something substantial that’s less prone to tipping, opt for a heavier piece. Importantly, you should always consider anchoring any dresser to the wall, particularly if you have young kids who may pull on or climb the furniture.
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Do people still use dressers?
Many people still use dressers in their bedrooms. But other storage solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Built-in units are one of the more popular alternatives since they allow homeowners to maximize their space. Other options include beds with storage underneath, storage boxes, and shelving units.
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What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a dresser?
A dresser and a chest of drawers are very similar, but there are slight differences. A chest of drawers is typically tall and narrow, while a dresser is low and long. While you can use a chest of drawers as a dresser, they aren’t necessarily made for that purpose. That said, a chest of drawers can be a particularly good alternative for people with small spaces.
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What is the best material for a dresser?
Today, you’ll find many low-cost options made out of manufactured wood and MDF, but the best material for a dresser is solid wood. That’s because wood—like oak, walnut, and maple—is much sturdier. Wooden dressers can hold more and last for many years, while manufactured materials tend to be less stable and are more prone to wear and tear.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including furniture like dressers. To curate this list, Brigitt scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews.
To help inform her top picks, Brigitt consulted Chris Alexakis, licensed contractor and the founder of CabinetSelect, using his guidance as she analyzed the style, construction, durability, size, and overall value of each product.